Only Bach figured more prominently than Beethoven in Glenn Gould's recorded legacy. Gould so admired Beethoven's late piano sonatas that he chose them for his second major recording (although his lack of adherence to Beethoven's strict tempo markings caused a bit of a backlash). He was also unstinting in his praise of the early sonatas, calling them "immaculately balanced…. Beethoven's senses of structure, fantasy, variety, thematic continuity, harmonic propulsion, and contrapuntal discipline were absolutely, miraculously in alignment."

"He was an intellectual performer, with a special gift for clarifying counterpoint and structure, but his playing was also deeply expressive and rhythmically dynamic. He had the technique and tonal palette of a virtuoso, though he upset many pianistic conventions."—Gould biographer Kevin Bazzana

The playing of Canadian virtuoso Glenn Gould provokes myriad reactions, from disquiet to awe. Seldom is there indifference. He is celebrated for his revelatory Bach interpretations, yet he cherished the music of the Renaissance, was stupendous in recordings of Beethoven concertos, and championed music of the 20th century. These well-annotated new editions combine his recorded legacy in exciting ways and add to the luster of a reputation that continues to shine, many years after his death.